1985 4Runner Build

[DTCsk8er]

Hey everyone. Been floating around for a while, and after some pressure from my land cruiser buds, decided to create an account here. Decided I'd add a build thread while I am at it.

Truck is going on 5 years in my hands (about 3 of actively working on it). Both of us have been through a LOT, so I won't go into detail on the older mods, and eventually update with new stuff as I go. My more detailed build can be found on my website SWDR4x4.com

1985 Runner. Completely stock when I got it, w/ timing chain causing coolant to dump into the oil pan.

Lots of cleaning, head cleaned and tested, new internals, engine was ready to do another 200k miles

Dual cases and twin sticks:

Sky Manufacturing Skid to protect everything:

Time for all the suspension work:

More to come!!

 

[DTCsk8er]

Gotta have some way of monitoring the blood line in my motor

Front shocks being set:

First drive.. pretty ugly, and too tall. Glad the springs settled a bit!

Beef for the front shaft:

Maiden voyage out to big bend TX

4.88 gears installed and new to me beadlocks:

 

[DTCsk8er]

Got a bender to do the fab work on my own

Cut out the rust all over the body, and got it ready for a new look:

Lots of time spent doing this kind of stuff:

Raptor lines the exterior, and most of the interior:

Kid inspecting my work

 

[DTCsk8er]

Another trip out to big bend (been doing them yearly for 6 years now)

The reason I go out every year.. our little piece of heaven out in the desert

 

[DTCsk8er]

Finally getting to use my bender:

Out with the weak:

In with the beef:

How many tube benders can open beers for you? Rogue fab, all the way!

 

[DTCsk8er]

Rear disc conversion, using all custom/junkyard parts. Cougar calipers, w/ stock toyota rotors

My bench is filled with diff parts.. two e lockers that are in need of some attention before I put them in

On board air also needs to be thrown into the rig

Out with the old:

New Cooper STTs, with the same beadlocks, just modified and cleaned up again:

And that is where I stand at the moment.. lots on the to do list, but it's been a good truck thus far. I daily drive it, so it's got about 17k miles on the rebuild motor, going strong. Probably taking it on another big bend trip next month (if I finish everything I want to in time)

To do:
-Fix broken motor mount
-New front shackle bushing
-Re-weld exhaust (I removed the plugged cat)
-Set rear bump stops (adjustable)
-E lockers w/ some not electrical goodies.. also a re-gear
-On board air
-All new interior panels

 

[Fireman]

Nice looking rig. We have a good friend who loves Big Bend. He makes at least one annual pilgrimage each year!

 

[FrankTorres]

Nice job all around!

I'm doing a similar build but keeping a stock suspension for now...
I should have my windshield out tonight, just need to finish cutting the top. Couple questions:
Did you do raptor liner before or after the windshield install?
How hard was it to find a windshield installer that knew what was going on?

Thanks

 

[jynx]

Nice looking build. What did you use to box the front of the frame? I need to do this on my 91 and it looks like you used some square tubing.

 

[DTCsk8er]

Nice looking rig. We have a good friend who loves Big Bend. He makes at least one annual pilgrimage each year!

Thanks! I make our yearly trip out around this time of year. If everything goes as planned, I will be heading out there mid next month!

 

[DTCsk8er]

Nice job all around!

I'm doing a similar build but keeping a stock suspension for now...
I should have my windshield out tonight, just need to finish cutting the top. Couple questions:
Did you do raptor liner before or after the windshield install?
How hard was it to find a windshield installer that knew what was going on?

Thanks

I raptor lined everything after the new windshield was in. It was not too difficult to get someone who knew what I meant on getting rid of the stock trim piece, and replace it with a rubber mold. They did a good job, and no leaks. Just make sure that you really repair the area well, and paint is 100% dry. I used no filler where the windshield was in contact, i just welded in new metal and made sure it was smooth.

Do yourself a favor, and get a good huge tarp to cover everything inside the cab (if you plan on demolishing the winshield like I did). The extremely fine particles of glass get everywhere!! Also, make sure you have a good mask and eye protection, so you keep that stuff out of your lungs and eyes. Good luck!

 

[DTCsk8er]

Nice looking build. What did you use to box the front of the frame? I need to do this on my 91 and it looks like you used some square tubing.

It was 2.5" 1/4 wall square tube. Fit right in place, once I got the weak stock crossmember out. Really would have made life easier, had I done that before I installed the front spring hanger. Lesson learned.

 

[FrankTorres]

Thanks for the tips on the tarp, windshield is out.

Keep up the hard work...

 

[DTCsk8er]

Thanks for the tips on the tarp, windshield is out.

Keep up the hard work...

Ha, glad to hear you got it out. Hope you have a good shop vac

 

[Ryno5150]

Very nice Runner!

 

[DTCsk8er]

Very nice Runner!

Thanks brother! Been a long time coming.

Lots to do still. Picked up a Warn XD9000 winch for $200 bucks.. just needs a bit of cleaning, and should be good as new!

Planning a trip near San Antonio next Month!